Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Coscia Cave, dug by the sea at the Middle Pleistocene, originally had an opening of 70 to 80 meters on the seafront and a depth of about 100 meters. This natural site, now classified as Historic Monument, offers an exceptional testimony of the ancient coastal landscapes and geological processes that shaped Corsica.

The stratigraphic sequence between 150,000 and 125,000 years of age revealed well-developed homes, a cave tumulus and lithic tools attributed to Neanderthal man. These discoveries attest to human occupation during the Middle Paleolithic period, as well as to a variety of mammals that are now extinct. The cave thus illustrates the lifestyles and techniques of prehistoric populations in the Mediterranean.

Classified by order of 26 June 2007, the Coscia Cave is protected in its entirety on Parcel F3 824. This classification underlines its archaeological and paleontological importance, while preserving a fragile heritage threatened by erosion and human activities. The research carried out on the site contributes to a better understanding of the first human occupations in Corsica.

The location of the site, although known with average accuracy (level 5/10), remains an issue for archaeologists. Located near Rogliano, in the Haute-Corse department, the cave enjoys a geographical setting marked by cliffs and a preserved coastline, typical of Cap Corse. His study continues to shed light on the adaptation of Neanderthals to island environments.

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